cosmetic

1 of 2

adjective

cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈme-tik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
Synonyms of cosmetic
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
: decorative, ornamental
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
cosmetically
käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
adverb

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural : superficial features
… a poem without rhetorical cosmetics …—Guy Davenport

Synonyms of cosmetic

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Adjective Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products. medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes The changes were purely cosmetic. Noun Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings function less like cosmetic upkeep and more like the kind of low-cost preventive habit that shows up in lifespan data years down the line. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 Whether investing in therapy, hiring personal trainers, taking solo vacations, pursuing preventative healthcare, or exploring cosmetic treatments, many are redefining what self-care actually means. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
Dëmin’s offseason has looked like a MyPLAYER build with the attributes boosted, the cosmetics upgraded and the dunk package unlocked. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026 Phthalates are used in some plastics and are also associated with fragrance mixtures, while parabens are preservatives found in some cosmetics and personal care products. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmetic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

First Known Use

Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmetic was in 1638

Phrases Containing cosmetic

Rhymes for cosmetic

See All Rhymes for cosmetic

Browse Nearby Words

cosmecology
cosmetic
cosmetical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance

cosmetic

2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance

Medical Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: a cosmetic preparation for external use

cosmetic

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
cosmetically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

Nglish: Translation of cosmetic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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